I have a $1500 surgery scheduled at the end of the month. It’s not for me, it’s for my dog. I adopted him two months ago from the local shelter, he needs the surgery to help him breathe. Some people have suggested giving him up because he costs so much, those type of people should never own pets. While the love of a pet is priceless, pets themselves are pricey.
Pets are Pricey
Don’t buy or adopt a pet thinking it will be cheap. Beyond the cost of the pet itself there are the necessary supplies. For cats think litter boxes, toys and a cat condo. For dogs there are leashes and collars, beds, crates and toys. Even small animals like rats and rabbits need a home, bedding and something to keep them busy. These initial costs are only the beginning - vet bills, food and the unexpected will easily trump the start up costs. The average dog costs $10,000 over its lifetime to feed and care for, you’ve been warned.
Think Before you Buy
Before falling for Fido, you need to decide if a pet is for you. From the financial side, are you prepared for the cost of a pet? Pets have a way of getting sick when you can least afford it. From the emotional side, do you have time for a pet? I’ve seen a lot of boston terriers given up because their people are never home. Most pets thrive with love and attention, ignore them and trouble starts.
There are choices you can make about the type of pet to have for a better fit financially and emotionally. Cats tend to be cheaper than dogs and better able to handle their owners being away. The cost of care for a dog correlates with size, smaller dogs eat less, need smaller doses of medicine and cost less to board. Certain breeds of all types of pets are more prone to health problems. Fish are expensive because of the special equipment you need to buy. Pets are wonderful, especially when you find one that fits with your budget and lifestyle.
Money and Values
The decision to have a pet is one of those intersections between money and values. I know a few people think I’m crazy for spending what I have on my pets. That’s OK, I think they’re crazy for spending huge amounts on something else. As long as we are not burdening each other with our choices, then we are free to make them.
C has the funniest personality I’ve ever met, his antics make me laugh. He’s always happy to see me and wants nothing more than to curl up and be close. I feel lucky to have him in my life. Beyond the cost in dollars there is a value I can’t measure.
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5 comments:
Good post. Pets are expensive but well worth it for us. We do a lot of volunteer work at the local animal shelter and lots of people are giving up the family pets due to costs. My dad just got a dog that the owners had to give up after 8 years.
Pets are most definitely a luxury and a responsibility. After four years of working at an animal hospital, I can't tell you the number of people who aren't prepared and/or willing to take responsibility for the life they take into their household.
Of course, I've also seen the total amounts of money that people do spend or are asked to spend to treat their pets and when it runs in the tens of thousands, it's frightening. I love my pets dearly but could not jeopardize my family's financial stability for a fifteen thousand dollar surgery or hospitalization, so I'm not adopting any more pets for now. If I hadn't worked there in my college years to defray the costs of pet ownership (thank goodness for employee discounts) it would have been nearly impossible.
Thanks for the timely post. Perspective is key too. Just like humans, do you really want extraordinary medical treatment to prolong your pet's life?
@ Debtfree - our shelter is so busy they don't even have time to process volunteer applications. Ours have been in for a month, they said it will take at least 6 months to process them!
@ Revanche - I know what you mean, we saw this lady walking her dog who had a horrible limp. When we asked what was wrong she said he hurt himself but she couldn't afford to take him to the vet. The dog was in obvious pain, not taking him to the vet is plain cruel.
@Kat - I'm so sorry you are facing this right now. The issue of end of life care deserves a post of its own. I'm a member of an online dog community, on any given week at least one member is wrestling with these very questions. My boys are all young, I dread the day they get old.
Wow, that tough. I've always wanted a dog, but unfortunately never had one. One thing I did learn is that you must definitely be financial ready to take care of your pet. The best of luck to you and your pet
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